Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar
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A Moment of Pure Joy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was nothing short of electric on Sunday, May 31, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name into the history books. By securing a dominant five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans, RCB not only lifted the coveted IPL 2026 trophy but also achieved the rare feat of winning back-to-back titles. This victory firmly places the franchise among the elite, joining the illustrious ranks of the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as teams to have achieved consecutive championship success.
However, amidst the champagne showers and the jubilation of winning a second straight title, a light-hearted moment stole the spotlight. During the official team photo session, veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya decided to inject some humor into the celebrations, providing a viral moment that fans are still talking about.
The Gesture That Stole the Show
As the squad gathered behind the champions’ banner, most RCB players proudly held up two fingers to signify the franchise’s successful defense of their title. Krunal Pandya, ever the character, opted for a different approach. He raised five fingers, a cheeky nod to his personal tally of five IPL championships throughout his storied career. Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro the likes of Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, who were seen bursting into laughter at the veteran’s bold statement.
The clip, which has since circulated widely on social media, perfectly captured the camaraderie within the RCB camp. Virat Kohli, who was instrumental in the final, was seen pointing at Krunal in disbelief, while Rajat Patidar couldn’t help but offer a wide grin as the team celebrated another historic milestone.
Krunal Pandya’s Elite Milestone
While the gesture was meant in good fun, it also served as a reminder of Krunal Pandya’s incredible consistency in the IPL. By clinching the 2026 trophy, Krunal joined an elite club of players who have reached the five-title mark. This exclusive list includes legends like MS Dhoni, Kieron Pollard, and his own brother, Hardik Pandya. Only Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu, with six titles each, sit above this distinguished group.
Krunal’s journey to his fifth title has been a testament to his adaptability. After winning his first three titles with the Mumbai Indians, he transitioned to the Lucknow Super Giants before finding his current home at RCB in 2025. His contribution to the 2026 campaign was significant, providing balance with both bat and ball. He finished the season with 226 runs and 14 crucial wickets, proving his worth as a seasoned campaigner.
Recapping the IPL 2026 Final
The path to victory for RCB was marked by disciplined play and individual brilliance. After winning the toss, captain Rajat Patidar opted to field, a decision that paid dividends as his bowlers dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ top order. Despite a gritty unbeaten 50 from Washington Sundar, the Titans were restricted to a total of 155/8.
RCB’s bowling attack was clinical, led by Rasikh Salam who claimed three wickets, supported by valuable contributions from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. When it came time to chase, the momentum never shifted. Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with a rapid 32 off 16 balls, effectively taking the pressure off the middle order.
The final act belonged to the talismanic Virat Kohli. With an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, including his fastest half-century of the tournament (off just 25 balls), Kohli ensured that Bengaluru crossed the finish line in just 18 overs. The victory marked a crowning moment for a team that has played with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of humor throughout the season.
As the celebrations continue, the image of Krunal Pandya reminding his teammates of his trophy haul will likely remain one of the most memorable snapshots of the IPL 2026 season—a reminder that while winning is the goal, the joy of the journey is what truly counts.
